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 Nestled between the Mississippi River and the river bluffs, Clarksville, with a population of 500, was first settled by Kentucky pioneers in 1808. In 1817, four years before Missouri statehood, the first plat was made and Clarksville officially became a town. The town, as legend has it, was named in honor of William Clark, of Lewis and Clark fame, and the millitary govenor of the territory. Having had one of the finest river dock areas on the entire Mississippi River, Clarksville in the years between 1825 and 1879 became a busy river port with a population exceeding 1200 residents. Clarksville also has the distinction of having Missouri's first paper mill and tobacco factory. Commodities left Clarksville docks bound for the rest of the U.S. and Europe. |
| After 1879, the commercial trade shifted from river to rail with the introduction of a train line between St. Louis and Clarksville. Daily runs were made on the Clarksville/St. Louis short line. |
 The last quarter of the 19th century saw many improvements in Clarksville; streets and sidewalks were constructed, brick homes and brick commercial buildings became more prevalent, gas lights were installed and the telephone was introduced.
In the 1950's, Clarksville was fast becoming a destination for tourists and in the 1960's, the the skylift to the highest point on the Mississippi River was built.
Then in 1987, with most of downtown in major disrepair, a non-for-profit organization, Historic Clarksville, Inc., began purchasing buildings and repairing them.
Come on out and visit us! |
 Clarksville, as the last town in Missouri whose downtown district faces the Mississippi River, offers visitors a blend of modern and historic attractions. Visitors can experience the feel of the river as they stand on the overlook of Lack and Dam 24, watching boats lock through. They can take a leisurely stroll through Riverfront Park or enjoy a picnic while viewing the river.
As you stroll through historic downtown, stop into the variety of shops located there. Antique shops, furniture makers, cabinet makers, woodworkers, blacksmiths, pewter-smith and specialty shops are a few of the attractions visitors may encounter.
A walking tour of Clarksville booklet is available in most shops. This booklet contains information about Clarksville Historic Buildings and Churches. |
 Being located on the Mississippi flyway, migration seasons are always exciting in Clarksville. Many species of birds pass overhead. With winter comes the beloved bald eagles who feed below the dam and perch in the large trees along the river banks. The World Bird Sanctuary Center offers a wide range of bird species, some of which live at the center and can be viewed year round.
Visitors also have access to two wildlife refuges in the surrounding area. Clarksville Refuge-Conservation area 2 miles to the north and Clarence Cannon National wildlife refuge 7 miles to the south. |
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